Sheikh Mohammed launches ‘Plant the Emirates’ national programme

In a strategic move to strengthen the UAE’s agricultural sector and ensure sustainable food security, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, launched the national programme ‘Plant the Emirates’ during a UAE Cabinet meeting held at Al Marmoom, Dubai.

The initiative is a significant step in advancing the nation’s agricultural development.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the programme continues the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who prioritised greening the desert and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The programme seeks to embed a culture of agriculture in homes, schools, and the hearts of future generations across the UAE.

The Plant the Emirates programme aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of sustainability, food security, and agricultural development, and includes several key initiatives designed to encourage the adoption of smart agricultural practices and foster public-private sector partnerships.

A comprehensive approach to agricultural innovation

As part of the national programme, the cabinet approved the establishment of the National Agriculture Centre, which will serve as the driving force for the sector’s growth over the coming years. The centre will provide technical and technological support to farmers, help foster public-private partnerships, and promote local agricultural products.

“The programme is designed to strengthen our food security, advance agricultural technologies, build new partnerships with the private sector, and expand our green spaces, ensuring sustainability for our future,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

Over the next five years (2025-2030), the centre aims to raise the number of productive farms by 20 per cent, increase the number of organic farms by 25 per cent, and foster the adoption of climate-smart solutions across 30 per cent of farms.

Additionally, the centre will work to reduce agricultural waste by 50 per cent and increase the use of local agricultural products in the UAE’s hospitality sector by 25 per cent.

. @HHShkMohd chairs UAE Cabinet meeting in Al Marmoom, launches ‘Plant the Emirates’ programme
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— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 6, 2024

 Plant the Emirates to drive sustainable practices

The Plant the Emirates programme also seeks to increase green spaces, promote environmental protection efforts, and encourage domestic agriculture. With a focus on cultivating key agricultural products at home, the programme aims to position UAE-grown agricultural products as synonymous with quality and high nutritional value.

Launching in line with the Year of Sustainability 2024,  the initiative emphasises reducing the carbon footprint through the promotion of fresh, locally produced agricultural products. The programme will engage with federal and local government entities, private sector organisations, and the broader community to achieve its goals. Initiatives include national campaigns, exhibitions, seasonal markets, and events promoting smart agricultural practices and technology.

In addition, the programme will host volunteer programmes, student competitions, and events designed to raise awareness about agriculture and sustainability. One highlight is the  World’s Coolest Winter campaign, which will promote green tourism in conjunction with the programme’s objectives.

Other key decisions taken at at the cabinet meeting

The UAE Cabinet also reviewed progress on several other important initiatives during the same meeting.

Among them was the Biodiversity Sites Project, aimed at identifying key biodiversity sites within the UAE and adding them to the global biodiversity sites database. Nine key biodiversity sites, including the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary and the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, have been recognised for their importance to the region’s natural heritage.

The cabinet was briefed on the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031, a strategic initiative that supports sustainable practices, such as the use of recycled materials in the consumer goods sector and the development of biofuels from food waste

In a series of other high-level decisions, the UAE Cabinet also approved new international agreements, including the ratification of the comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with Mauritius, which aims to boost long-term economic cooperation and increase trade flows between the two nations.

Other agreements include the UAE’s accession to the Antarctic Treaty and its participation as an observer in the Arctic Council. These steps highlight the UAE’s commitment to contributing to global scientific cooperation and environmental sustainability.

The cabinet also ratified some agreements with countries, including Sweden, Russia, and the US, covering topics from renewable energy to civil defence.